Central Chicago Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central Chicago
Where to stay in Central Chicago
Magnificent Mile
Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.
River North
Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Streeterville
Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Gold Coast
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Gold Coast. A stop by Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan might round out your trip.
Rush and Division
If you're spending time in Rush and Division, check out sights like Dave & Buster's or Oak Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chicago Station (Red Line) or Clark-Division Station.
Congress Plaza Hotel
Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025
Freehand Chicago
Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025
Level Chicago – Old Town
Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025
Popular places to visit
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Navy Pier
A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Millennium Park
One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.
Soldier Field
Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.
Grant Park
Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.
Activities
Chicago Blackhawks Ice Hockey Game at United Center
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Wendella's Lake and River Architecture Tour
Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise
Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
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- Visit Arlington Heights
- Visit Burr Ridge
- Visit Brighton Park
- Visit Canaryville
- Visit Downtown Chicago
- Visit East Garfield Park
- Visit Gold Coast
- Visit Grace Abbott Homes
- Visit Grand Boulevard
- Visit Jackson Park Highlands
- Visit Jefferson Park
- Visit Logan Square
- Visit Magnificent Mile
- Visit Palmer Square
- Visit Portage Park
- Visit River North
- Visit Rogers Park
- Visit South Deering
- Visit South Loop
- Visit The Loop
- Visit West Loop
- Chicago Holidays
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- Cloud Gate
- Visit Countryside
- Daley Plaza
- Downtown Chicago Holidays
- Visit Elk Grove Village
- Visit Franklin Park
- Visit Melrose Park
- Millennium Park
- Visit Mount Greenwood
- Visit Schiller Park
- Visit Thornton Junction
- Visit Tinley Park
